The Dark Side of Fate

Deliberating

~Liam~

As I stared down at my plate, I made an effort to soothe Alex’s agitation. Falling sick was a rare occurrence for me, so I doubted if that was the cause of my unease. I glanced over at Justin, who seemed engrossed in conversation with his wolf. Much to my dismay, Josephine occupied the seat across from me next to Justin. Without hesitation, Elaine settled beside Oliver, and their mutual gaze revealed a connection between them.

I could only hope that when the ladies reached the age of eighteen, they wouldn’t face heartbreak upon realising they were not destined for one another but rather for someone else entirely.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard Josephine calling my name. I looked at her, my mouth dry and my heart racing. I couldn’t comprehend why Alex was behaving this way. Clenching my napkin tightly on the table, I fought against an overwhelming wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Only I understood the intensity of what I was feeling in that moment.

“Congratulations,” Josephine exclaimed, and I furrowed my brow, puzzled as to why she was congratulating me. My mind was muddled, struggling to think clearly.

“You graduated?” she clarified, and I nodded, feeling foolish for not realising sooner. Why hadn’t I put the pieces together? Why was Alex acting strangely? I attempted to compose myself.

“Thank you,” I managed to reply, but as she turned her attention to Justin, I sensed a fit of jealousy that made me wish she wouldn’t. I fought back a growl, desperate to maintain control. The situation felt unbearable, and the urge to leave welled up within me. However, drawing unnecessary attention to myself was not a viable option.

I fought the urge to let out a growl as I observed Josephine gently touching Justin’s hand. Why was Alex losing control? I had no idea what was triggering his behaviour. Josephine’s brother, Luis, took a seat beside me, where Marvin should have been, but he was too busy getting cosy with Layla.

“What’s up?” Luis asked me with a smile, and I nodded, though my eyes remained fixated on Josephine for reasons unknown to me.

“When did you guys arrive?” I finally managed to ask Luis, forcing myself to look at him, anything to divert my attention from Josephine.

“About forty-three minutes ago. My father was held up in a meeting regarding something related to your girlfriend’s father. So we couldn’t leave Gad on time,” he explained, instantly piquing my interest.

“Why were they discussing Mike Maguire in Gad?” I inquired, and Luis shrugged.

“I don’t know, but my father intends to assign one of us to work closely with Justin to investigate the incident in Grizlo. Your father requested it, mentioning something about keeping it within our circle. They’ll discuss it with you. Anyway, I’m excited. The three of us scored exceptionally well in that department and are eager to put our skills to good use. Hopefully, they choose me,” he said, and I nodded, feeling inadequate.

It was disheartening when juniors caught up with you, but that was the Stepanovs for you—they were prodigies who had earned double promotions as a result. I had completely forgotten that they had graduated a few months before us. Suddenly, I felt selfish for my own shortcomings.

“Congratulations, by the way,” Luis said to me, and I nodded in acknowledgement.

“You too,” I replied, returning the sentiment, and a smile crossed his face, indicating that my words meant a lot to him.

to Josephine, I realised that I hadn’t yet congratulated

I said, catching her gaze with

I offered, and she responded with

our brief exchange before redirecting her attention back to Justin. Alex seemed unsettled by

was served, we all began to eat. Justin, much like his father, had a talent for enlivening the atmosphere. His jokes elicited laughter from everyone, particularly Josephine, who seemed captivated by his presence. Not once did she spare me a glance, and that bothered me. Moreover, I couldn’t

festivities and spend time together. Our parents were likely gathered in the

I couldn’t help but wonder what she wanted. Her presence was driving my wolf to the

and I looked at her, offering a

you

and she fell silent, seemingly taken aback by my response. I hadn’t meant to sound curt, but the truth was, I was on edge, and she seemed to

that way. Of course, I know you are close,” she quickly clarified, and I

tone,” I said sincerely, and she smiled at me as if she hadn’t expected my apology. She

Sophia,” I heard Alex’s voice echoing in my mind. He was attempting to communicate with Josephine and not me, and I

be assisting Justin with the investigation. We’ll do everything we can to ensure she is found,” she said, patting me on the shoulder

sent an electric shock through me. She looked at me with surprise, then glanced at our joined hands as I stood rooted to the spot while the others continued ahead. I didn’t want to let go. Touching her hand

asked, her gaze fixed on me. It felt as if I were in a trance, unable to snap out of

I blurted out, and she frowned,

right, Li?” she inquired, concern evident in her voice. And with that

walking towards my room with haste. I dared not answer or look in her direction. I had to move swiftly, desperate to avoid doing something I would

acknowledge her. I had to keep moving, afraid that any moment longer would result in a complete

us now,” I whispered to my wolf, my mind filled with chaotic howls of

has,” my wolf responded, his

family,” I protested, desperately searching for any reason to deny the reality of

line, but she isn’t related to us by blood, Li,” he countered, his voice filled with a sombre acceptance. Yet, even with that knowledge, I couldn’t shake off the overwhelming emotions

year and a few months separating us. Why had

rare opportunity, and I believe we should embrace it,” Alex insisted, his voice filled with conviction, but I shook my head

She’s stubborn, annoying, and always trying to prove herself, especially to us. I can’t handle that kind of behaviour. And her sense of fashion… it’s just not my taste. She doesn’t seem to care about anything,” I